Walnut Creek Aquanuts Victorious at National Championships

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. ““ 

   WCA athletes returned home victorious from the most elite synchronized swimming competition of the year! More than 350 swimmers from 41 teams across the country competed for titles at the 2014 US National Championships held in Oro Valley, Arizona on April 8-11. 

   The competition was a tight one between the Walnut Creek Aquanuts and their Bay Area rivals the Santa Clara Aquamaids. “We had to really fight for every medal as Santa Clara was on our tails the entire event,” said Head coach Kim Probst.  “It came down to final swims in every event,” she added, “and our Mermaids were absolutely flawless in finals!

Walnut Creek Athlete earns GRAND SLAM!

   Karina Boyle, a 17 year old from Walnut Creek on the Jr./Sr. National Squad, was in top form as she earned a “Grand Slam” taking first in every event; combo, team, solo, figures, and duet (with team mate Dana Drury, a 14 year old also from WC), winning 5 Gold medals overall. 

   The senior team also experienced a very tight competition but fought hard and earned several second place spots. Alexa Tchekmarev, showcased her technical prowess and artistic abilities and took home silver medals in the Individual High Point Award, and senior solo competition. Alexa, along with teammates 2012 Olympian Mariya Koroleva, and Rina Horii also won silver for their Duet, a Spanish routine that, according to Head Coach Kim Probst was “packed with difficulty.” 

   Daria Torba, a 14 year old from Orinda earned a silver medal in the 13-15 solo competition, while Taylor Fair secured 4^th. Daria and teammate Lauren Simonelli earned silver in the duet. And Katya Mizin and teammate Renee Stehik earned 5^th place. Overall the 13/15A Jr. B team earned a bronze medal in the combo event, and a silver in the team final. “The combo was especially exciting,” according to Coach Kim, “as it earned WCA 2 spots on the podium. The girls nailed their African routine filled with lifts and tons of energy.” Although they were edged out of first place by Santa Clara, Probst emphasized that this team, “is not afraid of hard work. The athletes and coaches are already looking forward to the Age Group Nationals in Washington State where we will do anything and everything to maintain our national title in this age group!”

MISSION:

   The Walnut Creek Aquanuts (WCA) is a world-renowned synchronized swim club based in Northern California. Our mission is to develop athletes from novice to elite, building both bodies and minds and instilling skills that will serve our swimmers throughout their lifetime.  

   Over its 45-year history, WCA has trained over 30 Olympic athletes and garnered more than 200 national and world competition titles. WCA is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization, with a roster of over 100 athletes ranging in age from 6 – 21, and in ability from novice to Olympic hopeful. 

Celebration of Champions and Try It Days, and Summer Sessions:

   For girls interested in trying synchronized swimming they can participate in one of the many Try It days or Summer Sessions offered by the Walnut Creek Aquanuts. Registration and full details at Aquanuts.org or Famtivity.com 

   The Celebration of Champions will take place on June 14 at Clarke Memorial Swim Center at Heather Farm Park. The event is a Gold Medal Tribute to the City of Walnut Creek in honor of their centennial.  The event will showcase performances by our reigning national champions, including 2012 Olympian Mariya Koroleva and the Jr. National Team among others. Halftime festivities include our inaugural Duck Derby and Live Auction.

   For more information on the club, please visit  HYPERLINK “http://www.aquanuts.org” www.aquanuts.org, like us on Facebook, or call the event hotline at (925) 934-4792.  Individuals or companies interested in sponsoring the club and/or its events should call (925) 289-9229. Press Inquiries should be directed to (925) 324-5907.